Wonnangatta - Solo?
Submitted: Monday, Nov 01, 2010 at 19:25
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PaddyWack
Hi,
Any drama's doing the Wonnangatta loop, in particular the Wombat track section solo?
Vehicle is a lifted and locked GU TD42T with muddy's and a winch.
Cheers
Paddy
Reply By: Member - Aaron L (NSW) - Monday, Nov 01, 2010 at 19:32
Monday, Nov 01, 2010 at 19:32
Depends on the weather, In Wet I wouldnt.... Dry should be no issues.
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434805
Reply By: Member - TJ (VIC) - Monday, Nov 01, 2010 at 19:53
Monday, Nov 01, 2010 at 19:53
Hi Paddy,
plenty of people do it solo. Your only drama would be the wet as some parts in and out of the valley are very steep. Your vehicle sounds
well and truely up to the terrain. Have a great trip.
TJ...
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434807
Reply By: BrownyGU - Monday, Nov 01, 2010 at 21:15
Monday, Nov 01, 2010 at 21:15
PW,
As the others have mentioned the weather is the key, I did it towing an off road camper in 07, it was dry and I had a rear locker with Muddies!
Cheers.......Browny
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Reply By: Member - Tony V (NSW) - Tuesday, Nov 02, 2010 at 14:58
Tuesday, Nov 02, 2010 at 14:58
In the past (many years ago) I have travelled in and out of Wonnangatta solo and I have been stuck due to weather.
I have only been that way twice since I moved to NSW in 2003.
I was surprised how much more traffic there is in the area and how quickly the roads become impassable (maybe its an age thing).
With the weather patterns currently in play I would suggest not going solo even with a
well set up vehicle, you may be tempted to travel when not safe or get stuck because of someone without your experience...
If you do go pack for the worst conditions and extra days...
From:
ABC News Story
Trapped campers told to stay put
Map:
Licola 3858 Campers trapped by floodwaters in the remote Wonnangatta valley in Gippsland's high country are being warned to stay where they are.
About 100 millimetres of rain has fallen in the Wonnangatta River catchment, cutting off four-wheel-drive tracks in and out of the valley north of
Licola.
Police say up to 50 campers may be stranded in the valley.
Senior Constable Greg Cogan from Heyfield Police says campers should assume they could be stranded for up to five days.
"[They should] remain at their campsites and not attempt to cross any swollen rivers until they subside to a safe level," he said.
"Also we've received advice that the Zeka spur track to the east of the Wonnangatta Valley is not to be used
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Crackles - Tuesday, Nov 02, 2010 at 21:52
Tuesday, Nov 02, 2010 at 21:52
Yep, I was one of the 50+ trapped in the valley over the last few days & what a circus it was. Dozens of cars swept away, 4 blown engines that I know of & many others swamped. We even rescued one guy at the big crossing of the Wonangatta River (southern end) about to be washed down stream in a metre of fast flowing
water. He was damm lucky we just arrived or the next stop for him would have been
Eaglevale 10km down stream!
As for solo travelling into the valley it's like any remote area without phone service. There will plenty of people around to lend a hand but you do need to have some plan to let others know where you are in case you are overdue plus work out how you will be recovered in case of breakdown.
While the rain this weekend may have been above average, really the last 10 years have been exceptionally dry and the vast majority of people have never experienced the High Country when it's really wet & yes it can get very wet all year round.
Take your time Paddy, check conditions & go
well prepared.
Cheers Craig.............
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Reply By: PaddyWack - Tuesday, Nov 02, 2010 at 17:19
Tuesday, Nov 02, 2010 at 17:19
Thanks for the replies, planning on doing it just after new year, I'll keep an eye on the weather.
Cheers
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Follow Up By: Member - TJ (VIC) - Tuesday, Nov 02, 2010 at 20:14
Tuesday, Nov 02, 2010 at 20:14
Good on you Paddy. 100mm of rain is an extreme example. I camped only 40k's away from Wonnangatta over the weekend and it didn't rain. Listen to the forecast and if it sounds like its going to be ok then go for it. You'll also find that early in the new year there will be a lot of others about.
TJ..
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